Stray Kids: Their Girl

Chapter 12: Alone Time

Bangchan's POV:

I sighed, resting my head softly against the desk as the music shot through my headphones. Looking up at the clock, my eyes burned with sleep. "Fuck, already 2 am?" I sighed, exhaustion coating my voice. I continued fidgeting with the music, my leg shaking anxiously underneath the large table. I was so engrossed in my work I completely ignored the knocking at my door. It wasn't until I heard her stunning voice that I turned around.

"Channie? Are you in there?" Her angelic-like voice sounded through the door. I smiled unconsciously, getting up from my desk, my bones cracking as I walked over to her. Opening the door, I was graced with the most stunning sight. There in front of me, Chija stood, clad in a pair of sleeping shorts that left little to the imagination and what looked to me like Minho's hoodie. I let my gaze rake over her petite yet curvy body, my mind going haywire at the sight of her. 

"Chija-ah, why are you up so late?" I asked, concerned for the sweet girl in front of me. She giggled, her laugh like honey to my ears. "I was worried about you. The boys said you've been in here almost all day and I was concerned. I brought some food I made for dinner, hoping you might want to eat?"My stomach violently growled as if on cue, signalling that she was correct. She smiled softly as I opened the door, letting her in.

She softly padded into the room, setting the plastic container down before sitting on the couch, patting the spot next to her. I frowned in confusion, slowly making my way next to her. Looking deeply into my eyes, she frowned, placing her small yet soft palm on my cheek, stroking it with such fondness. I unconsciously leaned in, wanting to savour the warmth she radiated. 

"What's wrong, Oppa? Don't try and deny it; I can see on your face that something is bothering you." She spoke firmly as I opened my mouth in protest. I sighed once more, hanging my head in shame. I soon felt her shift, standing up and between my legs. I wrapped my arms around her waist, laying my head on her middle as she stroked my hair and back, soothing my aching muscles with her soft caresses. "You can tell me anything, Channie; I will not judge you. You never have to hide from me." She whispered so softly that I would've missed it if I wasn't paying attention. I closed my eyes, emotion bubbling in my throat.

 "I-" choking on my own words, I let out a muffled sob, wrapping her tightly in my embrace as I let go of all my emotions. "Oh, Channie!" She gasped softly, making her way onto my lap, bringing me closer to her chest, her soft hands caressing my back through my hoodie. "I don't know what's wrong with me. It's like I can't do anything right!" I cried out, more tears streaking down my pale face. She nodded softly, signalling that she was listening; her hands were rubbing my bare back under my hoodie.

"I guess I'm just super stressed with our comeback being right around the corner and everyone speculating online. Plus, everyone keeps saying what a horrible leader I am, and all I can think is, what if they are right and-"I was quickly cut off by Chija leaning upward, her hands coming to cup my face. Her eyebrows furrowed, a look of pure disbelief and confusion lacing her baby-soft features. 

"Channie, I want you to listen to me very carefully, alright?" She asked warmly, stroking my cheeks. I nodded, leaning into her warmth once more. "First off, I completely understand that you are stressed, and I cannot imagine how much hard work you put into this comeback; but your health will always come first. So please, eat and sleep and make sure to take care of yourself, or at least let us take care of you. " She started, the pads of her thumbs wiping my flowing tears.

 "Second, people online are mindless eggheads; they don't understand the level of work, time and effort you boys put into your work. So they can fuck right off," She said, eliciting a small giggle from me. She smiled warmly, leaning to kiss my nose before continuing. My hands slowly made their way to her hips, squeezing them through the hoodie covering her figure.

 "Lastly, I understand that people can sometimes be mean, and their words can cut deep; but please, don't listen to them or take it to heart. They are wrong, so very wrong. I have never met someone as genuine, kind, and down-to-earth as you, Channie. You make being a better person look so easy. You are why so many people continue to smile, and the boys are inspired to do their level best. You inspire me to work hard and put my level best into everything I do. Never doubt yourself, Channie, because you are so much more than people think, and they will never understand what an incredible, wonderful, astounding leader and man you truly are." She finished off, her warm, minty breath fanning over my face as she leaned in, pressing soft, warm kisses on my eyelids, nose, forehead and finally, my cheeks. I smiled, my eyes closed in contentment as I savoured the affection.

"Thank you, Chija-ah..." I trailed off, my lips turning into a meek smile as she stroked my cheeks, her honey eyes boring into mine. "I would do anything for you, Channie; I would do anything for any of you boys. I-" She cut herself off, her eyes filling with tears. Concern flashed through my gaze, my body going rigid with worry. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?" I asked, watching as she sniffled, weeping softly. I gasped, pulling her into my arms, shifting her to straddle my lap as I stroked her bare back underneath the hoodie, placing soft kisses on the crook of her neck and pulse point. "I-I'm sorry. It's just that-" She gasped out, continuing to sob. I shushed her, rubbing soft circles on her back. "Calm down, baby girl; you'll make yourself sick if you continue. Can you breathe for me, angel?" I asked, pulling her to look into my eyes, my large hands cupping her red cheeks. She nodded, slowly calming down her breathing.